V(WF)$^2$S: Very Wide Field WaveFront Sensor for GLAO

arXiv (Cornell University)

Abstract

Adaptive optics is a technique mostly used on large telescopes. It turns out to be challenging for smaller telescopes (0.5~2m) due to the small isoplanatic angle, small subapertures and high correction speeds needed at visible wavelengths, requiring bright stars for guiding, severely limiting the sky coverage. NGS SCAO is ideal for planetary objects but remains limited for general purpose observing. The approach we consider is a compromise between image quality gain and sky coverage: we propose to partially improve the image quality anywhere in the sky instead of providing the diffraction limit around a few thousand bright stars. We suggest a new solution based on multiple AO concepts brought together: The principle is based on a rotating Foucault test, like the first AO concept proposed by H. Babcock in 1953, on the Ground Layer Adaptive Optics, proposed by Rigaut and Tokovinin in the early 2000s, and on the idea of Layer-oriented MCAO and the pupil-plane wavefront analysis by R. Ragazzoni. We propose to combine these techniques to use all the light available in a large field to measure the ground layer turbulence and enable the high angular resolution imaging of regions of the sky (e.g., nebulas, galaxies) inaccessible to traditional AO systems. The motivation to develop compact and robust AO system for small telescopes is two-fold: On the one hand, universities often have access to small telescopes as part of their education programs. Also, researchers in countries with fewer resources could also benefit from reliable adaptive optics system on smaller telescopes for research and education purposes. On the other hand, amateur astronomers and enthusiasts want improved image quality for visual observation and astrophotography. Implementing readily accessible adaptive optics in astronomy clubs would also likely have a significant impact on citizen science.

Authors 10

1. Olivier Lai corresponding

   Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique · Université Côte d'Azur · Lagrange Laboratory · Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur

   Affiliation as printed

   Université Côte d'Azur, Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Laboratoire Lagrange, Bd de l'Observatoire, CS 34229, 06304 Nice Cedex 4, France;

2. Mark Chun

   University of Hawaii System · University of Hawaii at Hilo

   Affiliation as printed

   IfA, University of Hawaii, 640 North A'ohoku Place, Hilo, HI 96720 USA;

3. Stefan Kuiper

   Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research

   Affiliation as printed

   TNO Technical Sciences, Stieltjesweg 1, 2628CK Delt, The Netherlands;

4. Niek J. Doelman Aachen

   Leiden University · Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique · Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research · Université Côte d'Azur · Lagrange Laboratory · Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University, Niels Bohrweg,

   TNO Technical Sciences, Stieltjesweg 1, 2628CK Delt, The Netherlands;

   Université Côte d'Azur, Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Laboratoire Lagrange, Bd de l'Observatoire, CS 34229, 06304 Nice Cedex 4, France;

5. Marcel Carbillet
   Affiliation as printed

   , 2333CA Leiden;

6. Mamadou N’Diaye
   Affiliation as printed

   , 2333CA Leiden;

7. Frantz Martinache

   Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique · Université Côte d'Azur · Lagrange Laboratory · Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur

   Affiliation as printed

   Université Côte d'Azur, Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Laboratoire Lagrange, Bd de l'Observatoire, CS 34229, 06304 Nice Cedex 4, France;

8. Lyu Abe

   Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique · Université Côte d'Azur · Lagrange Laboratory · Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur

   Affiliation as printed

   Université Côte d'Azur, Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Laboratoire Lagrange, Bd de l'Observatoire, CS 34229, 06304 Nice Cedex 4, France;

9. Jean‐Pierre Rivet

   Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique · Université Côte d'Azur · Lagrange Laboratory · Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur

   Affiliation as printed

   Université Côte d'Azur, Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Laboratoire Lagrange, Bd de l'Observatoire, CS 34229, 06304 Nice Cedex 4, France;

10. Dirk Schmidt

    Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique · Université Côte d'Azur · National Solar Observatory · Lagrange Laboratory · Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur

    Affiliation as printed

    National Solar Observatory, 3665 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO 80303, USA

    Université Côte d'Azur, Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Laboratoire Lagrange, Bd de l'Observatoire, CS 34229, 06304 Nice Cedex 4, France;